MEDIA RELEASE
HRSA advises that due to extreme heat conditions the Kadina Cup race meeting scheduled at Port Pirie on Friday 10 February has been cancelled. This race meeting will now be held at Port Pirie on Friday 17 February.
This decision has been taken after careful consideration and consultation with a range of stakeholders including the Yorke Peninsula HRC, Port Pirie HRC, Veterinary Surgeon, Acting Chairman of Stewards, Chairman of HRSA Racing Committee and HRSA Chairman.
As part of our considerations we considered a range of factors including the:
- temperature on the preceding days;
- temperature forecast on the day and the predicted temperature at the time of the race meeting;
- number of horses travelling to the meeting and the distance they travel;
- day or night meeting;
- welfare of horses; and
- welfare of participants and race day staff.
Not only is Port Pirie experiencing extreme heat this week - Wednesday 44C, Thursday 45C and Friday 42C, the Wet Bulb Globe Test (WGBT) also reflects oppressive weather conditions – WGBT not only considers temperature, but also humidity, wind speed and solar radiation. Therefore the forecast of higher humidity levels and lack of wind compounds the extreme weather conditions.
In relation to the number of horses travelling to the race meeting, there are 37 horses being floated travelling one hour or more including 27 horses travelling from Adelaide, which is an animal welfare consideration.
There was consideration to delay the meeting by one hour – however the forecast temperature at 6.00pm tomorrow will be 40C and horses will still be required to be floated during the hottest part of the day.
HRSA regrets any inconvenience, however the decision was been taken with regard to safety and welfare of horses and participants. HRSA also expresses its
appreciation to the SAHRC in supporting the transfer of their race meeting on 17 February to Port Pirie.
As a result of this change, amended programs for Friday 17 February and Saturday 18 February will be available on the website in due course. Nominations for the Monday race meeting at Globe Derby Park have been extended until 9.00am tomorrow morning.
More information
John Lewis, HRSA CEO
Ph 0417855300
